My name is Leo and I am a listmaker. I'll be posting my lists and various other observations on life, pop culture, and whatever else I feel like commenting on. I hope for much feedback and commentary from my readers, so please speak up and let me know what you think.

Thursday, November 30, 2006

What else happened in 1957?In the news…

*Jan. 13 – The Wham-O Company produces the first Frisbee.*Jan. 14 – Humphrey Bogart dies of throat cancer at age 58.*Jan. 16 – The Cavern Club opens in Liverpool.*Jan. 20 – Dwight Eisenhower is inaugurated for a second term as President of the US.*Mar. 19 – Elvis Presley buys Graceland.*Jul. 6 – John Lennon and Paul McCartney first meet.*Jul. 29 – Jack Paar takes over as Tonight Show host from Steve Allen.*Sep. 4 – Orville Faubus, the governor of Arkansas, calls out the National Guard to prevent black students from enrolling in Central High School in Little Rock.*Sep. 4 – The Ford Motor Company introduces the Edsel.*Sep. 5 – Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road” is published.*Sep. 24 – Eisenhower sends federal troops to Little Rock, Arkansas to protect nine African-American students from a mob protesting their enrollment in Central High School.*Oct. 4 – The USSR launches Sputnik I, the first artificial satellite to orbit the Earth.*Nov. 3 – The USSR launches Sputnik II carrying the first animal to enter space, the dog, Laika.*Nov. 16 – Serial killer Ed Gein murders his last victim.*Nov. 25 – Pres. Dwight Eisenhower has a stroke.*Dec. 20 – Elvis Presley receives his draft board notice.

5. Pal Joey4. Oklahoma!3. Giant2. Around the World in Eighty Days1. The Ten Commandments

Oscar Winners of 1957

Best Picture – The Bridge on the River KwaiBest Actor – Alec Guinness (The Bridge on the River Kwai)Best Actress – Joanne Woodward (The Three Faces of Eve)Best Supp. Actor – Red Buttons (Sayonara)Best Supp. Actress – Miyoshi Umeki (Sayonara)Best Director – David Lean (The Bridge on the River Kwai)

Other Films released in 1957

12 Angry MenAn Affair to RememberAparajito (good one from Satyajit Ray)A Face in the Crowd (I highly recommend this film. It predicts the future of American popular and political culture in much the same way that Paddy Chayefsky’s Network did nearly twenty years later. Andy Griffith was brilliant playing against type. Seriously, check this movie out.)Funny FaceJailhouse RockNights of Cabiria (good Fellini)Old YellerPaths of Glory (I highly recommend this magnificent anti-war film from the master, Stanley Kubrick. This story of military injustice during the First World War features a tremendous performance from Kirk Douglas. You should not miss this one.)Peyton PlaceThe Seventh SealWild Strawberries

In the world of television…

Shows premiering in 1957

BlondieThe Gumby ShowLeave It to BeaverMaverickPerry MasonWagon Train

Shows ending in 1957

I Love LucyKukla, Fran and Ollie

Most Watched Shows of 1957

10. You Bet Your Life9. December Bride8. The Restless Gun7. General Electric Theatre6. The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp5. I’ve Got A Secret4. Have Gun Will Travel3. Tales of Wells Fargo2. The Danny Thomas Show1. Gunsmoke

Emmy Winners of 1957

Best Dramatic Series with Continuing Characters – Gunsmoke (CBS)Best Dramatic Anthology Series – Playhouse 90 (CBS)Best Comedy Series – The Phil Silvers Show (CBS)Best Actor in a Series – Robert Young (Father Knows Best)Best Actress in a Series – Jane Wyatt (Father Knows Best)

DC Comics publishes Showcase #8 in June, featuring the first appearance of Captain Cold, one the first super-villains in the Flash’s Rogues Gallery.

In the world of sports…

*World Series – The Milwaukee Braves win 4 games to 3 over the New York Yankees.*NBA Finals – The Boston Celtics win 4 games to 3 over the St. Louis Hawks.*NFL Championship – The Detroit Lions win 59-14 over the Cleveland Browns.*College Football champions – The Auburn Tigers and The Ohio State Buckeyes (shared)*Stanley Cup – The Montreal Canadiens win 4 games to 1 over the Boston Bruins.